Pettis County, Missouri, A Portrait & Biographical Record - Johnson and Pettis Counties , July
1895 Page Two
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A Portrait & Biographical Record - Johnson and Pettis Counties , July
1895 Page Two on this site,
"William M. Johns, one of the most active and enterprising young
business men of Sedalia, is interested in several large financial
concerns. In the spring of 1888 he became a partner in the firm of S.
P. Johns & Sons, with which he has since been connected, and July 27,
1894, went into partnership with E. L. Looney, buying out the old
lumber firm of H. B. Scott. The business has been greatly enlarged, and
the yard is known as the "Old Home Lumber Company Stand." The yard is
located at the corner of Second Street and Montreal Avenue, occupying
three quarters of a block, most of which is under cover. A full line of
building materials is kept in stock, and an increasing trade is the
result of the well directed energies of the partners.
A history of Samuel P. Johns, Sr., father of William M., appears
elsewhere in this volume. Our subject was born in Pana, Ill., August 1,
1866, and received a public-school education in that place. In his
fourteenth year he came to Sedalia and attended the high school and
afterwards the Sedalia University. From his boyhood he had a strong
desire to embark in a business career, and was not yet seventeen years
of age when he induced his father to take him into his office. In the
spring of 1888 he was admitted as a partner into the firm, and his
ability was manifested from the start. In company with his father and
brother, he owns an interest in the lumber yard at Hughesville, and he
is a stockholder in the Universal Savings and Loan Company of St.
Louis, being Vice-President of the local branch. He is also
Vice-President of the Sedalia Land and Development Company, which was
mainly instrumental in getting the Legislature to agree to the removal
of the capitol.
For several years Mr. Johns has been a worker in the ranks of the
Republican party, and since June, 1894, has been Chairman of the County
Central Committee. In the fall of 1894 the campaign was under his
management, it being the first time in the history of the county that a
solid Republican ticket was elected; and he has often been called upon
to serve as a delegate to county and state conventions. He is a member
of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias,
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Woodmen of the World, and the
Royal Tribe of Joseph.
In this city, June 3, 1891, Mr. Johns was united in marriage with one
of Sedalia's most accomplished daughters, Alice Newkirk, who was born
here and who was educated at Wellesley (Mass.) College. She is a
daughter of Cyrus Newkirk, the late President of the First National
Bank of Sedalia. Mr. and Mrs. Johns have two children, named,
respectively, Gwendolyn and Cyrus N. Mr. and Mrs. Johns have many
sincere friends, to whom they delight to extend the hospitality of
their pleasant home, and are members of the Presbyterian Church."
--------------------------------------
"Andy Dexhimer. While the stock business is not the most prominent
industry of Pettis County, it is at present receiving a greater
proportion of the attention of the people than in former years. Among
those who have contributed to the development of this industry in the
county and who have in its pursuit gained a commendable degree of
material success, prominent mention should be made of Mr. Dexhimer, one
of Sedalia's foremost citizens. In addition to the buying and selling
of cattle, he conducts the largest wholesale meat business in the city,
and is carrying on a large and profitable trade among the people of
this section.
The Dexhimer family is of German origin. The parents of our subject,
William and Catherine (Rodman) Dexhimer, were born in Hesse-Darmstadt,
Germany, and thence emigrated to America, settling on a farm near
Cleveland, Ohio. During their residence at that place our subject was
born, February 5, 1851. From there in 1860 they came to Missouri, and
after a sojourn of several years in the Ste. Genevieve County, came to
Sedalia, in March, 1867. In this city the father engaged in gardening
and in the dairy business until his death, which occurred at the age of
sixty-five. His wife passed away in Cleveland at the age of eighty-six.
Of the family of eight children, six of whom survive, our subject is
the youngest in order of birth. He was a mere child when his parents
moved to Missouri, and his boyhood years were passed in Ste. Genevieve
County, where he was a pupil in the district schools. At the age of
sixteen he came to Sedalia, where for a time he assisted his father. In
1880 he embarked in the wholesale butcher business, which he has since
conducted on an increasing scale. He has a slaughter-house on Brushy
Creek, near the tracks of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, the main
building being 24x36 feet in dimensions. In it are to be found the
latest appliances for the slaughtering of stock and the preparing of
beef for the market.
The real-estate holdings of Mr. Dexhimer include his elegant
residence on West Second Street and a farm of sixty-one acres in Cooper
County, near Tipton, Mo. All that he has represents the result of years
of arduous toil, for he has had to depend entirely upon his own
exertions. In matters of public interest, he gives his active
co-operation, and his support may always be relied upon to secure
needed municipal improvements. While not a partisan, he is firm in his
allegiance to the Republican party. Socially he is connected with Unity
Lodge, A. O. U. W., and in religious belief is a member of the English
Lutheran Church. His marriage, which was solemnized in California, Mo.,
in 1875, united him with Miss Helen Neighbors, who was born in Chariton
County, this state. Their six children are named Charles, Mattie,
Christine, James, Andrew and David, the eldest of whom assists his
father in business, and the others are students in the Sedalia
schools."
--------------------------------------
"Gilbert S. Lander, of Sedalia, is one of the oldest employees of the
Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, and is one of their most reliable
and trustworthy men. He is now foreman of the wood-working department
of the car-shops, and has under his jurisdiction about fourteen men.
When he first came to this city it was a small place of about three
thousand inhabitants, and the car-shops were scarcely half as large as
at present.
The parents of our subject were Seneca and Polly (Shaw) Lander,
natives of Maine. The former was a dealer in livestock, and passed his
entire life in Oxford County, where his demise took place when he was
in his eighty-fifth year. His wife was the daughter of Gilbert Shaw, a
farmer, and died when in her sixty-sixth year. Both parents were
members of the Baptist Church, and were held in high esteem by all who
knew them.
G. S. Lander was born in Woodstock, Me., November 13, 1827, being the
third in a family of six children, all but two of whom are still
living. He was reared on a farm and remained with his parents until
nineteen years of age, when he went to Portland and began serving a
three-years apprenticeship as a carpenter. Next he worked at his trade
for two years in Boston, and and in 1854 moved to Wisconsin. He soon
found employment as a car-builder in the Chicago & Northwestern shops
at Fond du Lac, and after twelve years of steady work there went to
Wyandotte, Kan., and from 1870 to 1876 was in the Union Pacific
car-shops.In July of the last mentioned year he became a resident of
Sedalia, having been tendered the post which he now occupies.
The first marriage of Mr. Lander took place in Wisconsin, the lady of
his choice being Miss Helen Henry, a native of New York State. She
died, leaving one child, John H., who is now a printer in Worcester,
Mass. In Wyandotte Mr. Lander and Mrs. Louisa A. Cockrell were united
in marriage. Mrs. Lander was born in Clay County, Mo., and is a lady of
amiable and genial qualities. Our subject is identified with the
Knights and Ladies of Honor, and Equity Lodge No.26. A. O. U. W., in
which he is a past officer, and in 1882 was a Representative to the
Grand Lodge in St. Louis. On political questions he is always to be
found on the side of the Democracy."
--------------------------
"Napoleon G. Tevis, one of the solid agriculturalists of Pettis
County, now owns a quarter-section of land on section 18, township 44,
range 23, which he conducts in a progressive manner. He gives his
undivided attention to farm work, and he has been a resident of his
present homestead since 1874, is consequently well known in this
locality and highly esteemed as one of its best residents.
Our subject is a native of this state, having been born in Cooper
County, March 27, 1840. His parents, Snowden and Susan (Morris) Tevis,
reared a large family of children, of whom he was the eleventh-born.
Snowden Tevis was a native of Madison County, Ky., and remained in that
state until twenty years of age, when he crossed the line into Missouri
and engaged in agricultural pursuits in Cooper County. He made that
portion of the state his home for the remainder of his life, dying in
1853. His good wife, the mother of Napoleon G., was born in North
Carolina, and departed this life in 1852. Our subject was thus doubly
orphaned when a lad of thirteen years. He had previous to this time
fair advantages in the subscription school of his neighborhood, and
when old enough to begin the battle of life on his own account chose
the vocation of a farmer, to which occupation he had been trained. He
moved to his present fine estate in 1874, and has since that time ably
conducted the same. It is one hundred and sixty acres in extent and
gives evidence of the care and labor bestowed upon it. The stock on
this farm is of the best, and the most approved farming implements and
machinery of all kinds are used to carry on the work.
Our subject was married, in 1862, to Miss Cordelia J. Martin, the
daughter of William H. and Rhoda (Moore) Martin. Her father was born in
Tennessee, while Mrs. Martin was a native of this state. The birth of
Mrs. Tevis occurred in Cooper County, September 28, 1844, and by her
union with our subject she became the mother of six children, of whom
the eldest, Mattie, is deceased. Alice is the wife of William Calvert,
a farmer of Johnson County; they became the parents of two children,
Roxy and one deceased. Rhoda, the twin of Alice, is living at home.
George W. and Thomas H. reside in Johnson County, and Lester N. is at
home.
Mr. and Mrs. Tevis are members of the Baptist Church. In politics the
former is an ardent Democrat, but has never aspired to office-holding,
preferring to give his attention to his private interests and let those
hold office who wish to do so. He is a good citizen, always interested
in obtaining the best schools for the rising generation, in making good
roads, and, in short, in advancing the community's welfare in every
possible way."
------------------------------------
"William Williams. This intelligent and substantial farmer of Pettis
County has his pleasant home located on section 6, and he came here in
the fall of 1859 from Pike County, Ill. His father, John Williams, who
was a native of North Carolina and a farmer by occupation, lived to be
seventy-five years of age, and was respected by all who knew him. The
maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Walk. She, too, was born in North
Carolina, whence she went with her family to Illinois, making the
entire journey overland in a wagon. She lived to be sixty-three years
of age, and died in Illinois in 1858.
The parental family included twelve children, of whom William was the
eldest. Then follow John, America, Sarah, Franklin, Richmond, and
Douglas, deceased. Samuel is living in Pike County, Ill.; David is also
a farmer of that section of the Prairie State; Jonathan is an
agriculturist of Sedalia Township, Pettis County, Mo.; Emma makes her
home in Montana; Jane lives in Pike County, Ill.; and the youngest is
deceased.
The subject of this sketch was born in North Carolina, October 20,
1821. He was a lad of six years when the trip was made to their home in
Illinois, where he was reared, and where he secured a limited
education, attending school about six months during the year, the
balance of the time being devoted to work upon the farm. His parents
were pioneers of Pike County, and there was consequently much to do in
preparing the soil for cultivation and keeping the place in good
condition.
William Williams lived at home until attaining his twenty-seventh
year, when he was given a tract of eight acres by his father. He was
married about that time, and locating upon the place remained there
until 1859, the date of his advent into Pettis County, this state.
Three years previous to this time he had visited the state with his
brother Jonathan, and being pleased with the outlook they purchased
together an unimproved tract of six hundred acres, although eighty
acres were fenced.
Our subject was loyal to his country during the Civil War, and for
eighteen months belonged to the Missouri Enrolled Militia, doing good
service in protecting property and staying the lawless hands of the
guerillas. He is a practical farmer, and has been successful far beyond
his expectations. As his children have grown to mature years, he has
been enabled to give them good educations and a fair start in life.
Mr. Williams was married, in Indiana, to Miss Ellen F, Posey, a native
of Warrick County, Ind. Their family comprises seven sons and
daughters. Emma married David F. Palmer, and resides in this county;
John is also a resident of this section; Charlie is engaged in business
in Sedalia; Belle married Samuel Stevens, an agriculturalist of this
county; Seymour, Sherman and Nellie all make their homes here, the
latter being the wife of Moses Hogan, Jr.
For many years Mr. Williams affiliated with the Democratic party, but
he is now a free-silver man. He keeps himself well informed on the
financial issues of the day, and possesses intelligent and well defined
ideas of the same,. He does not believe that there was any good reason
for making the change in the unit of value in 1873 from silver to gold,
and thinks that change the source of all our late financial troubles.
He is convinced that silver was early established by the founders of
this Government as our unit of measurement. Three hundred and
seventy-one and a-quarter grains of pure silver were a dollar in gold,
and everything else was measured by this standard until 1873, when it
was changed to gold. Silver, of course, began to decline and all other
property with it. In religious affairs, both himself and his wife are
members in excellent standing of the Christian Church. Mr. Williams has
many friends throughout the country, and is regarded by all as a
thoroughly good man, who identifies himself with every worthy movement
for the benefit of the community."
---------------------------------
"Hon. S. K. Crawford, M. D., was born in Belfast, Ireland, December
25, 1838. The Crawfords, who were of the Presbyterian faith, were
originally from Scotland, but settled in Ireland some two hundred and
fifty years ago. Samuel Crawford, the grandfather of our subject, was a
civil engineer in Belfast, where he spent his entire life. His father,
Thomas Crawford, came to America in 1847, landing in Canada, but soon
afterward removed to Iroquois County, Ill. By occupation he was a
farmer.He died in Iroquois County at the age of seventy-four years. His
mother, Usilla (Kerr) Crawford, was born near Belfast, Ireland, and
died in that city when our subject was three years of age. Of their
children, Samuel K. was the only that lived to maturity.
The early life of our subject was spent in Belfast, where he received
his primary education, and where he remained until fourteen years of
age, when he came to the United States, shipping from Liverpool,
England, and being six weeks upon the ocean. The vessel on which he
sailed was wrecked off the coast of Ireland and had to return to
Liverpool for repairs. Arriving in New York, he went by way of the
Hudson River and railroad to Chicago, and thence to St. Charles, Ill.,
to make his home with an uncle. From childhood he had a desire to study
medicine, and soon after his arrival began the study of the same in the
office of his uncle, Dr. Henry M. Crawford, an eminent physician of
Illinois, who served as Surgeon of the Fifty-eighth Illinois Infantry
during the late war. In 1854 he entered the University of Michigan,
where he took the scientific course of three years, and then entered
Albany (N. Y.) Medical College, graduating therefrom in 1857. Returning
to St. Charles, he at once commenced the practice of his profession,
and continued in the same until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when
he was commissioned by Governor Yates First Assistant Surgeon of the
Eighth Illinois Cavalry. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the
Potomac and in that army it served under MacClellan, Burnside, Hooker,
Stoneman, Pleasanton and Meade, taking part in all the various battles
of that grand army. Later Dr. Crawford was made Surgeon of the
Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, with the rank of Major, and served until
the close of the war, being mustered out at Ft. Leavenworth in
December, 1865. The Seventeenth Cavalry served for a long time on the
plains of the West. In a cavalry engagement near Rapidan Station, Va.,
he was slightly wounded in the right thigh, the same ball that wounded
him first killing his horse.
On receiving his discharge, Dr. Crawford returned to St. Charles,
Ill., resuming his practice, and there remained until 1868, when he
removed to Warsaw, Benton County, Mo., where in a short time he built
up a large and lucrative practice in medicine and surgery. Often he was
compelled to ride forty miles in a single dat in the practice of his
profession. While residing in Warsaw he served as Health Officer of
that city for some years, and was also a member of the School Board.
Professionally he has always held a high place and has always enjoyed
the confidence and esteem of his brother practitioners. In 1883 he was
placed on the list of lecturers in the State University, but on account
of making a trip to Europe, he did not serve. He is a member of the
Pettis County Medical Association, of the District Medical Association,
and of the State Medical Association. While still a resident of Warsaw
he was President of the Benton County Medical Association.
As stated above, in 1883 the Doctor made a trip to the Old World,
visiting many places and spending some time in his old home at Belfast
in renewing old acquaintances. He was gone nine months, a portion of
the time being spent in various medical institutions and hospitals of
Europe. Returning, he spent six weeks in Bellevue Hospital in New York,
and then returned to Warsaw, where he continued in the practice of his
profession until 1894, when he removed to Sedalia and opened an office
in the Winter Block. While in Warsaw he served as President of the
Board of Medical Examiners for a number of years.
Before leaving St. Charles, Ill., Dr. Crawford was married to Julia E.
Groom, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and daughter of Alfred J. and
Mehetabel G. (Norris) Groom. The former was a native of London,
England, while the latter was a native of New Hampshire and the
daughter of Col. Thomas J. Norris, who served in the War of 1812. Three
children have been born to the Doctor and his wife: Mettie G., now Mrs.
Tomkins, of Warsaw, Mo.; Maud and Mabel.
Politically Dr. Crawford is a stanch Republican and for many years has
been quite active in political affairs. He was Chairman of the Central
Committee of the Republican party of Benton County for years, and was a
member of the Republican State Central Committee for four years, two
years of which time he was Chairman, having succeeded Major Warner. He
was a delegate from the Seventh District to the Chicago Republican
Convention in the year 1888. But few state or district conventions of
his party have been held of which he was not a member. In the fall of
1880 he was elected a member of the Assembly from Benton County on the
Republican ticket, and was twice re-elected, serving in all six years,
or three regular and two extra sessions. While in the Assembly he
served on several important committees, including that of
Appropriations and Internal Improvements. He was twice appointed as a
member of the Legislative committee to visit the state institutions,
once by Governor Marmaduke and once by Governor Moorehouse. He visited
in all thirteen state institutions, and aided in making necessary and
important changes and recommendations to the Governors. He drafted and
introduced the first bill proposing suffrage for women in the state of
Missouri.
The life of Dr. Crawford has been a very active one. In addition to
his medical practice and his political work, he has social connections
with the Masonic fraternity, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ancient
Order of United Workmen and the Grand Army of the Republic post, of
Sedalia, in all of which he has taken an active interest. On Decoration
Day, May 30, 1895, the Doctor delivered a memorial address on Grant and
Garfield at Charleston, Ill. Few men in the state have a wider
acquaintance or are more favorably known than Dr. S. K. Crawford."
----------------------------------
"Charles A. Paige, a prominent agriculturist and well known citizen of
township 44, range 23, Pettis County, was born in Stockholm, N. Y., in
March 1840, and is the eldest now living of the family of Anson and
Jane (flanders) Paige. The father was born in the state of Vermont, and
there passed his early life. He emigrated to New York shortly after
attaining his majority, and was there successfully engaged in
agricultural pursuits, following the vocation until the year of his
death, that event occurring in Vermont in 1855, while he was visiting.
After the death of his father Charles A. resided with an uncle in that
state until 1861.
Mrs. Jane Paige was born in Sandwich, N. H., and preceded her husband
to the grave, dying in the year 1851. Charles A. was a lad of eleven
years when this calamity overtook him, and although he attended school
some in his earlier years, he was then prevented from carrying on his
studies until reaching the age of fourteen. He was determined to become
well educated, and at thus time attended the common schools for several
terms, when he was given the advantage of an academic course.
When he had just attained his majority, and while engaged in farm
work, the tocsin of war was sounded throughout the country, and our
subject immediately buckled on the armor of the Union soldier and went
to his country's aid. He was mustered into Company E, Fourth Vermont
Regiment, at Brattleboro, and was in active service for more than three
years. He took part in all of the many engagements in which his
regiment participated until May 5, 1864, when at the battle of the
Wilderness, he received a gun shot wound which disabled him from
further service. After being honorably discharged and mustered out he
returned to Vermont, where he remained for a few months, then went to
New York, there operating a farm for one year. At the end of that time
he came to Missouri and located upon an estate near the one he now
owns. Two years later, however, he purchased his present farm of forty
acres, which, although small in extent, is so thoroughly improved that
it yields as large a crop of grain as many other estates twice its size
and not so well managed. It is situated near the main line of the
Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad and in close proximity to the village
of Green Ridge.
Mr, Paige was married in June, 1866, to Miss Augusta L., daughter of
Joseph L. and Sarah (Westover) Morgan. The Morgans were natives of the
Green Mountain State, but of the Westover fasmily little is known. Mrs.
Paige was born in New York State, and by her union with our subject
became the mother of nine children, one of whom is deceased. Of those
living we make the following mention: Joseph M., C. Ira, Ella L.,
Martin H., and Hugh are living in St. Louis, while Harry W. (the twin
of Hugh), Effie J. and James G. are with their parents. Mrs. and Mrs.
Paige are members of the Congregational Church, in the faith of which
they have reared their children.
Socially our subject is a member of E. D. Baker Post No. 68, G. A. R.,
and in politics is a true-blue Republican. Besides serving as Justice
of the Peace in his township, he has also represented his district on
the School Board."
--------------------------------------------
"Franklin R. Hulland, now serving as Alderman from the First Ward in
Sedalia, has been longer a continuous resident of this city than any
other person in the place. In 1883 he built a residence and office at
the corner of Jefferson and Ohio Streets, on a point where was formerly
located the old homestead of Gen. Bacon Montgomery. In 1894 Mr.
Hulland was elected on the Republican ticket to serve for two years as
Alderman. He is Chairman of the Fire Department Committee and a member
of the Finance, Street and Alleys, Taxes, Sewerage and Police
Department Committees.
Richard Hulland, the father of F. R., was born in Devonshire, England,
and learned the carpenter's trade. After his marriage he moved to the
United States, settling in Dubuque, Iowa, and from there went to
Rockford, Ill., where he engaged in buying and selling cattle and
live-stock. In the spring of 1859 he went to Cole Camp, Benton County,
Mo., and there found employment at his trade until November, 1860, when
he moved to Sedalia and embarked in business as a contractor and
builder, giving employment to from thirty to fifty men. Our subject is
now living in a block adjacent to the one in which his father dwelt for
several years. During the war he was a member of the Home Guards. In
1864 he was elected Alderman in this place, and was again honored with
the position in 1867, being elected on the Republican ticket.
Fraternally he was a member of the Masonic order and of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. In 1878 he made a trip to England, and died at
his old home, aged fifty-four years, being buried in the same grave in
which his mother was sleeping her last sleep. He was a member of the
Episcopal Church, to which his wife also belongs. She was formerly a
Miss Elizabeth Sing, a native of Devonshire, England, and is now living
in Sedalia, being in her seventy-third year. Her only daughter, Mary, a
widow, was the wife of John Burkhard, of this place.
Franklin R. Hulland was born June 22, 1857, in Rockford, Ill., and
came with his parents to this place when but three years of age. His
father built the second residence in the city, and here young Hulland's
boyhood was passed, his education being obtained in the subscription
and public schools. After working for four years at the carpenter's
trade with his father, he entered upon an apprenticeship to A. E.
Stewart, May 3, 1875, and became a practical workman. In 1881 he
embarked in contract painting and decorating, in which line he has
prospered beyond his expectations. His work has not been limited to
this vicinity, as he has frequently been called to take contracts in
adjoining villages, and he gives employment to from fifteen to eighteen
hands.
March 29, 1881, Mr. Hulland married Clara Brown, who was born in Stark
County, Ohio, and they have become the parents of four children:
Richard, Fayetta, Armstead S. and Clara. Mrs. Hulland is a daughter of
Thomas Brown, a native of Bedford County, Pa. For a few years he
resided in Stark County, Ohio, and in 1866 came to Sedalia, where he
was engaged as a contact plasterer until his death. His wife, formerly
Joanna Mellon, is still living in Sedalia, and is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Hulland is a charter member of the
Royal Tribe of Joseph, belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, and has
passed all the chairs in the Equity Lodge No. 26, A. O. U. W. He and
his good wife are identified with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
and are esteemed by the large circle of friends whom they have gathered
around them during their long residence here."
-----------------------------------
"James H. Crawford, the leading general merchant at Green Ridge, is
not only a prominent and progressive business man of Pettis County, but
has succeeded in establishing for himself a reputation for thorough
integrity, enterprise and correctness, that is truly most desirable. He
was born in Virginia in 1855, and is the eldest member of the family of
Baxter and Agnes Crawford, also natives of the Old Dominion, where they
were reared and married. The father was identified with farming
interests until the time of his decease,m which occurred in January,
1895. His estimable wife is still living, making her home with her
youngest daughter in Virginia.
The boyhood of our subject was passed in the usual manner of farm
lads, his time being divided between work and play and attending the
district school. He continued to make his home under the parental roof
for two years after reaching his majority, when he embarked in farming
on his own account. He was thus employed in his native state until
1884, when he came westward to Missouri, locating in Sedalia. His stay
there was short, and six months later he changed his place of residence
to Owlsey, Johnson County, and for over four years was engaged in
merchandising in that place. The outlook being very bright for his line
of business in Green Ridge, he came hither, and now has the largest
general store in the city, and indeed one of the largest in the county.
He carries a full stock of the latest goods, and, his prices being
popular, he is well patronized. Practical and progressive in his ideas,
in the management of his large business interests he manifests good
judgment and those qualities which insure success.
James H. Crawford and Miss Anna H. Craig were united in marriage in
1882. The lady is the daughter of Kenerly and Mary J. (Clayton) Craig,
natives of Virginia, in which state Mrs. Crawford was also born. Their
union has resulted in the birth of three children, named respectively,
Nellie, Willie and Marvin. Our subject is connected with the Methodist
Episcopal Church South, while his estimable wife is a member of the
Baptist Church. He is a Democrat, politically, and is consequently
opposed to monopolies. Although never seeking political honors, he has
nevertheless been prevailed upon to serve as a member of the Board of
Councilmen, and is at present a member of that body."
-----------------------------------
"Merritt Yeater, City Engineer of Sedalia, is a very bright and
promising young man, and has already achieved distinction as a civil
engineer, surveyor and assayist. He was first appointed to the position
he now holds in 1888, and served from that time until July 1, 1892,
when he resigned. He was re-appointed on his return to this city in
August, 1893, by Mayor Stevens, and since he has acted in this capacity
has superintended and surveyed the laying of all the principal sewers
in the city, and the paving of most of the important streets. He has
platted several additions to the city, among these being South Park,
Smith & Cotton's, R. L. Hale's, Arlington Heights and Baird &
Metsker's, all of which are large additions, and he has also surveyed
several smaller ones.
The great-great-grandfather of Merritt Yeater emigrated from Germany
to Virginia, in which state his son, the next in line of descent, was
born. He first moved to Kentucky, and later to Missouri, while it was
still a territory, being one of the first settlers in the northern part
of the state, and there he died at the age of sixty-six years. Charles
H., grandfather of our subject, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., and
for twenty years, was a merchant in Osceola, St. Clair County, Mo., in
which place his death occurred in 1862, at the age of sixty-two years.
He was a member of the Christian Church, and in political faith was a
Democrat. His wife, Judith, was born in Kentucky, being a daughter of
James Jamison, an early settler in Callaway County, Mo., and of
English descent. Mrs. Yeater died when in her sixty-seventh year, and
of her children three grew to maturity, namely: James J.; J. K., who
was in the Sixteenth Missouri Infantry, Parsons' brigade, of the
Confederate service; and Sarah, Mrs. Harrison, of Fayetteville, Ark.
James Jamison Yeater, father of our subject, was born in Troy, Lincoln
County, Mo., December 1, 1831, and when seven years of age moved with
his parents to Callaway County. In 1841 he went to Osceola, where he
attended the public and subscription schools, and then for a year he
pursued his studies in Highland Academy, Jackson County. From his
boyhood he was trained to be a commercial man, and was in business with
his father until 1857, when he started out on his own account in
Osceola, continuing in trade until 1861. He was burned out by the Union
army, and soon afterward enlisted on the Confederate side, being
commissioned as Quartermaster and Commissary (with rank of Captain) of
the Tenth Missouri Cavalry. He took part in several battles and
skirmishes in Missouri and Arkansas, but was never injured in the
slightest way. In September, 1865, he came to Sedalia and was employed
in commercial pursuits until he retired, in 1886. For twenty years he
was a Director in the Citizens' National Bank, and in the spring of
1893 was very influential in the organization of the Bank of Commerce,
being made President of the institution from the start. Mr.Yeater was
united in marriage with Sarah J.Ellis, who was born near Montpelier,
Vt., and of their union were born four children, Chase, Merritt, Laura
and Stella.
Merritt Yeater was born in Georgetown, Pettis County, March 1, 1868,
and from the time he was three years of age lived in Sedalia. He
obtained his education in the public schools of this place, and
graduated from the high school in 1881, after which he took an academic
course in the State University at Columbia. In 1886 he received the
degrees of civil engineer and mechanical engineer from that university,
after taking the required course in those branches. Then, going to St
Louis, he was for eight months chemist for the Western Steel Company,
and later was assayer and chemist for the Gold King Mining and Milling
Company of Telluride, Colo. In a little less than a year he went to San
Diego, Cal., working as a civil engineer, and then obtained a similar
position in Texas on the Frisco Railroad.
In the spring of 1888 Mr. Yeater was appointed City Engineer of
Sedalia by Mayor Crawford, was re-appointed by him the following year,
and in 1890-91-92 received his appointments from Mayor Stevens. On his
resignation from the office in July, 1892, he went to Hannibal, Mo.,
taking a contract to build a reservoir holding forty million gallons
for the Hannibal Waterworks Company. This task he completed
satisfactorily at the end of nine months. He was next offered a
position with the General Electric Company of Chicago, to survey and
lay out the Intramural Railway at the World's Fair, and carried out his
part of the contract. Afterward he laid a few sewers in that city, but
in the early fall of 1893 returned to Sedalia, and was at once urged to
resume his former position as City Engineer, and acceded to his
friends' wishes. Like his father, he is a Democrat, and fraternally is
a Knight of Pythias."
-----------------------------------
"Hon. George L. Faulhaber, one of the most prominent citizens of
Sedalia, is now serving as Treasurer of the Missouri Trust Company. He
is public spirited, enterprising and progressive, and has done much for
the advancement of the city where he now makes his home. He was born in
Kirch Brombach, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, on the 6th day of April,
1838, and is a son of John H. Faulhaber, who was a native of the same
place. His grandfather, Karl August Faulhaber, was also born in the
same province, and there he had charge of the Grand Duke's forest. The
family came originally from the French side of the Rhine, and were
Lutherans in religious belief.
The father of our subject was engaged in the manufacture of furniture
in Kirch Brombach, and the business there established is still
conducted by a member of the family. His eldest brother was also a
cabinet-maker by trade. Mr. Faulhaber wedded Catherine Zimmer, who was
born near Offenthal, and a daughter of John M. and Susanna (Zeigel)
Zimmer. Her father was also a native of Offenthal, where he engaged in
the manufacture of plush. To Mr. and Mrs. Faulhaber were born ten
children, nine of whom grew to man and womanhood: Fritz, who died in
Germany; Ernst and Catherine, who both passed away in Pittsburg, Pa.;
Ernstine, now Mrs. Hoffman, of Mt. Carroll, Ill.; Lotta, Lizzette and
Margaret, who all died in Allegheny, Pa.; Fredericka, a resident of
that city; and George L., the youngest of the family. The father
departed this life in his native land in 1846, at the age of fifty-four
years, and the mother's death occurred in May, 1851, at the age of
fifty-six years.
The gentleman whose name heads this record graduated from the public
schools of Germany at the age of twelve years, after which he came to
America with a sister, in 1851. They left Meintz for Rotterdam and
thence went to London. For ten weeks they were on the Atlantic, during
which time they were lost in an ice-field, and as the water and
provisions gave out they were nearly starved. At length they arrived
safely in New York, whence they proceeded at once to Pittsburg, Pa.,
where Mr. Faulhaber worked with his brother until 1855, when he went to
Chambersburg, Pa., and apprenticed himself to a chairmaker, with whom
he remained twelve months, but during that time the man nearly starved
him to death. He then boarded a schooner going down the Ohio and
Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans, and remained there until June, 1857,
when he went to St. Louis. In the following September, however, he
secured a position with the United States Express Company at Jefferson
City, MO., remaining with them for two years. He was then messenger on
the stage lines from Tipton to Kansas City, Mo., and Leavenworth to
Junction City, Kan. In April, 1862, he returned to Missouri and ran
between Sedalia and St. Louis, and also between St. Louis and Macon
City. He then became agent for the United States Express Company at
Sedalia, but resigned the following year and removed to Pleasant Gap,
Bates County, where for two years he engaged in merchandising. At the
end of that time he sold out and engaged in the express business, and
was also Route Agent in north Missouri for the same company, with the
headquarters at St. Louis. Later, in 1867, he organized an express
company of his own, known as the Southern Express Company, of which he
became proprietor and Superintendent, it having the stage lines in
southwestern Missouri. The principal shipping lines were Sedalia,
Springfield, Carthage and Neosho, and he carried on the business until
1868, when the railroads encroached on his territory.
In that year we again find Mr. Faulhaber back in the office of the
United States Express Company at Sedalia, he remaining with them until
1891, when the Pacific Express Company came into control. With the
latter firm he remained until the 1st of September, 1884, when he
resigned to become Treasurer of the Missouri Trust Company, being the
first to fill that office, and he has held the position ever since. The
company was organized in 1880, with a capital stock of $10,000, and is
now doing the largest business of the kind in the state. The capital
stock has been increased to $500,000, with $200,000 paid up; there is a
surplus of $50,000, and undivided profits to the amount of $10,000. The
company issue debentures and sell them anywhere, and also have a saving
department, and any sum from $1 draws five per cent interest. Their
present fine building was erected in 1887. Besides holding the office
of Treasurer of this company, our subject is also a stockholder and
Director.
On the 2d of January, 1861, in Jefferson City, Mo., Mr. Faulhaber
married Miss Lillie Grimshaw, a native of Leeds, England, and daughter
of Jonathan Grimshaw, who was Division Superintendent of the Midland
Railroad in England. After coming to America her father located at St.
Louis, where he became connected with the United States Express
Company, and from 1858 to 1892 was agent at Jefferson City, when he
resigned and his son Arthur became his successor. He then came to
Sedalia, and is now connected with the Missouri Trust Company. His
wife, who was formerly Eliza M. Topham, died in Jefferson City in 1876.
Mrs. Faulhaber was educated in St. Louis, and by her marriage has
become the mother of six children. Katherine E., now Mrs. Houx, is a
widow and resides with her father; George G. died in St. Louis;
Gertrude is at home; Ernest A. is in the purchasing department of the
Northern Pacific Railroad at St. Paul, Minn.; and Eda Margaret and
Blanche Lillian, whom are at home, complete the family.
In 1878 Mr. Faulhaber was elected Mayor of Sedalia on the Republican
ticket, and the following year was re-elected, holding the office for
two terms to the satisfaction of all. He became a member of the School
Board in 1882, serving for the first year as President, but he
preferred the office of Secretary, which he filled for the two
succeeding years. He was made City Treasurer in April, 1888, and
remained in office for two years, Public affairs always receive his
hearty recognition, and he encourages all enterprises for the city's
advancement. He was in Sedalia in1864, at the time when Jeff Thompson
was captured there, and during the war served in a company of Citizens'
Guard as Sergeant. He takes considerable interest in civic societies,
being a member of Sedalia Lodge No. 236, A. F. & A. M., in which he
served for five consecutive years as Master, and for eight years as
Secretary, from which office he resigned; he is also a member of
Sedalia Chapter No.18, R. A. M., where he was also Secretary for
fifteen years; and St. Omar Commandery No. 11, K.T., in which he filled
the same office for seven years, but some three years ago resigned all
of those offices, though he is now serving as Eminent Commander. He has
been a member of the Masonic Board of Relief since 1885; and also
belonged to Fern Leaf Chapter of the Eastern Star until it gave up its
charter, and in that order filled the chairs of Worthy Patron and Grand
Marshal. For two years he was Grand Junior Deacon of the State Lodge,
and Treasurer of both the Royal Tribe of Joseph and the Royal Arcanum.
With the Calvary Episcopal Church he holds membership, and is Vestryman
and Clerk of the Board. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the
Republican party, and has served as delegate to the county and state
conventions. No man in Sedalia is more widely or favorably known, and
the name of George L. Faulhaber deserves an honored place in this
volume."
-----------------------------------
"Edward Hough, a very popular and clever young citizen of Sedalia, is
serving in the responsible position of City Clerk, having been
appointed to the office September 7, 1892, by Mayor Stevens, and the
appointment being confirmed by the Council. In 1893 he was
re-appointed, and again in 1894, giving full satisfaction to all. He is
quite prominent in the ranks of the local Democracy, with which he has
been identified since becoming a voter, and has served as a
Committeeman from the Second Ward.
The father of the gentleman above mentioned, Michael Hough, was born
in Ireland, and upon coming to the United States landed at New Orleans.
About 1850 he went to St. Louis by way of the Mississippi River. Later
he entered the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, working in
their car departments in St. Louis, Jefferson City and Sedalia for
thirteen years. He died in the faith of the Catholic Church, to which
he had been reared in this city, in the year 1883. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Elizabeth Gaffney, was a native of the Emerald Isle.
She survived him a few years, passing away in 1888. By her marriage she
became the mother of four children, of whom Edward is the eldest.
Margaret is living with her brother and sister. Mathew works for the
Dexter Book and Paper Company of this place; and Eliza lives with our
subject.
Edward Hough was born January 18, 1868, in Jefferson City, Mo., during
his parents' residence there, but from the time he was five years of
age he lived in Sedalia. He received a good education and was a student
in Professor VanPatten's school for some time. When he was eighteen
years of age he entered the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad
Company, with which his father was connected, and was a machinist in
their shops until the strike of 1886. Thence he went to St. Joseph,
Mo., and for six months was in the machine-shop and foundry of H. C.
Burkes. Preferring Sedalia, however, he returned, and obtained a
clerkship in a grocery owned by Mr. McGinly, and there he continued for
three years. At the end of that time he resumed railroading, being made
fireman on the Ft. Scott & Wichita Railroad, in which capacity he
served for several years.
As a public official Mr. Hough is making a good record, being very
systematic and exact in his methods, and faithful to the demands and
best interests of the public. He is a member of the Catholic Benevolent
Society, and in the Legion of Honor occupies an official position. He
adheres to the faith of the Catholic Church, holding membership with
the congregation of St., Vincent de Paul."
-----------------------------------
"Edward John Kiesling. There are many accomplishments in life, the
securing of which will ever bring honor and praise to the one who has
faithfully won them; but the greatest honor will ever be due to the man
who, beginning at the foot of the ladder, with no capital but strong
arms and a courageous young heart, pushes his way onward and upward to
success. Such a one is the subject of our sketch, for his success is
entirely due to the energy, perseverance and good judgment with which
he has conducted his business enterprises.
In general blacksmithing, carriage and wagon manufacturing our subject
has found a wide field for his labors, and has built up a large and
lucrative trade, receiving a liberal patronage from the citizens of
Sedalia and surrounding towns. A native of Germany, he was born near
Muencheberg, Bavaria, June 4, 1863, and is a son of George and Margaret
(Schmutzler) Kiesling, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father
was a farmer in the Fatherland, in which country his death occurred.
The mother was a Lutheran in religious belief, and had four children,
three of whom are still living, our subject being the only one now in
America.
Edward J. remained in his native land until reaching his fifteenth
year, at which time, in 1878, he came to America, here meeting his
brother John, who is now deceased. Locating in Cole County, Mo., our
subject was employed on a farm for two years, and then apprenticed
himself to learn the blacksmith's trade in Westphalia, Osage County,
Mo., continuing in that capacity two years. In 1882 he came to Sedalia,
working at his trade in connection with different establishments, and
in 1885 bought the shop he now owns, beginning business for himself at
blacksmithing and repairing. He was so successful in this line that he
was enabled, in 1894, to begin the manufacture of wagons, carriages,
sulkies, and in fact, all vehicles on wheels. About fifteen men are
employed and he superintends the business himself.
In Sedalia, in the year 1884, occurred the marriage of Mr. Kiesling
and Miss Bertha Maue, a native of Germany. To this union has been born
a family of three children, George, Eddie and Walter. The family
residence is at No. 312 North Prospect Avenue, and is the abode of
hospitality and good cheer. Socially our subject is identified with the
Woodmen of the World, and also belongs to the Sons of Herman.
Politically he is a Republican, the principles of which party he
supports with voice and ballot. he is a consistent member of the
Lutheran Church, and gives generously to its support. Besides his
manufacturing interests he is the owner of valuable real estate, and in
all respects has shown himself to be one who is worthy of emulation."
-----------------------------------
"Richard M. Olmstead has served for years as a member of the Sedalia
Central Democratic Committee from the Third Ward. In 1886 he was
elected to serve as an Alderman from the same ward, and was Chairman of
the Streets and Alleys and Cemetery Committees. After an interval of a
year he was re-elected for another two-years term, and was Chairman of
the Committees on Streets and Alleys and Sewers. For two years he was
out of office, but in 1893 was once more elected, and is now Chairman
of the Sanitary and Printing Committees, and is also a member of the
one on streets and alleys. He was among the very first to advocate
street pavement, and can always be found on the side of progress .In
1882 he started in business as a livery man, being a pioneer in this
line, and has also been much interested in real estate-transactions.
At an early day the paternal grandfather brought his family as far
West as Jersey County, Ill., from New York State. His son Richard,
father of our subject, was a native of the Empire State, and in his
early manhood operated a farm near Jerseyville, Ill., where he died
when only twenty-eight years of age. His wife, who was a Miss Louisa
Crab, afterward became the wife of P. S. Prentice. She was born in
Knoxville Tenn., and is a daughter of Joseph B. Crab, an early settler
in Jersey County, Ill. He took part in the Black Hawk and Mexican Wars,
and in 1852 went overland to Oregon, dying soon after his arrival
there. Mrs. Prentice resided in Jersey County until 1864, when she
located in Macoupin County. After being a resident of Litchfield, Ill.,
about ten years she came to Sedalia, where she is now living, having
reached her seventy-seventh year. She is a faithful and zealous member
of the baptist Church. Of the four children by her first marriage, only
two are living, our subject and S. H. The latter, who was in the Civil
War, lives in Sedalia. By her marriage with Mr. Prentice she had four
children.
R. M. Olmsted was born in Jersey County, Ill., April 27, 1848, and
received a district-school education. In 1864 he moved with his mother
to Macoupin County, and a year later to Litchfield. His first
employment was as a teamster, after which he entered the service if the
Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad as a brakeman, and was later promoted
to be yardmaster. In 1871 he moved to the vicinity of Versailles, Mo.,
where he was engaged in farming about two years. In 1873 he located in
Sedalia and engaged in the teaming business for some seven years,
gradually drifting into his present occupation. His livery barn at No.
313 Hancock Avenue is 45x90 feet in dimensions, and affords room for
thirty horses. In connection with his other business Mr. Olmsted is the
manager of a transfer line. From time to time he has invested in real
estate and owns seven residences, besides farm lands.
In 1875 occurred the first marriage of Mr. Olmsted, the lady of his
choice being Miss. M Bowlin, of that city. Her death occurred in
Sedalia, at which time she left two sons and a daughter, namely: Henry
W., Bessie P. and Frederick. In 1887 our subject married Eudora Marvin,
a native of this city. Mr. Olmsted is a member of Equity Lodge No. 26,
A. O . U. W., belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, and is also
connected with the Woodmen of the World."
--------------------------------------
"Hon. John D. Crawford, who served as Mayor of Sedalia from 1888 until
1890, has been Vice-President of the Citizens' National Bank for over
sixteen years, and is one of the most prominent men of Pettis County.
During his term at the head of the city government, the Missouri,
Kansas & Texas Railroad headquarters were moved here, an electric
street railway system inaugurated, and street paving and electric
lighting introduced.
The Crawford family date their origin back to Ardlock or
Crawford-land, in Ayrshire, Scotland. The old Crawford castle, built in
a remote period of antiquity, still stands on the right bank of the
river Clyde. Our subject's ancestors were natives of Scotland and
descendants of Col. John Crawford, who came from Ayrshire to
Pennsylvania. His grandfather, John, who was born in Cumberland County,
Pa., removed to Kentucky, where he was one of the very earliest
settlers, having located in the wilderness in 1790. While on an
expedition prospecting for mines in the Northwest Territory, he met his
death. Our subject's father, John E., was born in Cumberland County,
Ky., and inherited the same adventurous spirit. In 1827 he went on
horseback to St. Louis, from there came to Pettis County, and then went
to the lead mines of Galena, Ill., remaining there some two years, but
in 1829 returned to this county and participated in the Indian troubles
and in the Mormon War. He settled on a farm on Spring Fork Creek, six
miles south of Sedalia, and in time became the owner of eight hundred
acres. For one term he served as a member of the General Assembly,
having been elected on the Whig ticket, but after the formation of the
Republican party he adhered to its teachings. He made a specialty of
raising high-grade stock, and was very successful in his ventures. His
death occurred in the okld brick house wehich he had built in 1844 on
his farm, at the age of eighty-nine years, in 1891.
The maternal ancestors of our subject were of Scotch-Irish origin. His
mother, Sarilda J., was born in Clark County, Ky., and died February 2,
1895, aged sixty-seven years. Her grandparents were among the first
settlers of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; in fact, they settled there at a time
when the surrounding country was so wild as to be illy fitted for a
home, and they therefore returned to Kentucky. Daniel Donnohue, our
subject's grandfather, was born in Ste. Genevieve, Mo., but was reared
principally in Kentucky, and at a very early period in the history of
Pettis County settled on a farm in Dresden Township.
The marriage of John E. Crawford and Sarilda J.Donnohue, which was
solemnized in 1836, was blessed by six children, namely: John D.; James
H., who was Lieutenant of Company E, Seventh Missouri State Cavalry,
and who located and settled Stesamboat Springs, Colo., in 1873; Henry
A., who died in Colorado in 1882; Grant, who is Assistant Cashier of
the Citizens' National Bank, of Sedalia; Ann E., Mrs. J. J. Ferguson,
who lives in Texas; and Cynthia M., wife of Rev. B., T. Thomas, of
Lafayette County, Mo. The first marriage of John E. Crawford united him
with Miss McFarland, of Cooper County, Mo., and they became the parents
of two sons, namely: Christopher C., who was a Lieutenant in the
Forty-fifth Missouri Infantry, and died in Pettis County in 1891; and
William O., who was as member of the Fortieth Missouri Militia during
the late war, and is now engaged in farming in Pettis County.
Upon his father's farm, five miles northwest of Sedalia, March 1,
1838, occurred the birth of the subject of this notice. With the
exception of the first two years, he resided on a farm south of Sedalia
until he was twenty-one. His studies were conducted in William Jewell
College, at Liberty, Mo., and on completing his education he taught
school until the outbreak of the war. In August, 1862, he enlisted in
Company C, Fortieth Missouri Militia, and was elected Captain of the
company. The following year he was made Captain of Company K, Fifth
Provisional Regiment of Missouri Troops, and in 1864 was commissioned
Colonel of the Fortieth Regiment by Governor Gamble, and served as such
until the close of the war. His regiment was central, and on duty in
southwestern Missouri. At the time of Price's last raid, he was in
command of the post at Sedalia, which was evacuated temporarily by
order of Gen. E. B. Brown,m who was in command.
In June, 1865, Mr. Crawford married Annie E. Parberry, who was born in
this county. Her father, N. N. Parberry, came from Virginia to this
section and settled on a farm four miles south of Sedalia. Mr. and Mrs.
Crawford are members of the First Baptist Church of Sedalia, of which
the former has been a Trustee for many years. Since 1875 they have
spent ten summers in the Rocky Mountains, and have thoroughly enjoyed
this recreation.
In the fall of 1870 Mr. Crawford was elected County Recorder of Deeds
on the Republican ticket, was re-elected four years later, and did not
retire from the office until January, 1879. Subsequently he has been
engaged in the abstract, title and real-estate business, the firm with
which he is connected being known as Morey & Crawford, and he is giving
his principal attention to real-estate and loan transactions. In
company with Ira Hinsdale, he laid out West Broadway Addition, now the
finest residence part of the city. He owns a part of the old Spring
Fork Farm, besides land in other sections of the county. His residence
is situated at the corner of Sixteenth Street and Kentucky Avenue, one
of the highest points in the city. He has been interested in all public
enterprises, and has many friends in central Missouri. Fraternally he
has held many offices in the Masonic order, and has been a delegate to
county and state conventions of the Republican party. It is within his
recollection when Sedalia was not yet in existence and this region was
all wild land. As he was reared in this section, he has been a witness
of its development, and claims it as the garden spot of earth. Both he
and his family deserve more than passing mention."
----------------------------------------
"Charles E. Newell, who has the reputation of being one of the most
skilled machinists in the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railway
Company, was born in Rochester, Strafford County, N. H., in 1840. The
family has long been identified with the history of the United States,
and his paternal great-great-grandfather, who was a manufacturer of
cotton goods, participated actively in the War of the Revolution.
Grandfather Newell, whose Christian name was Daniel, was born in
Massachusetts, and by occupation was a cotton manufacturer, being thus
engaged in both the Bay State and in Rochester, N. H. In the War of
1812 he served as a drummer. His death occurred at the age of
eighty-four years.
The father of our subject, Thompson L.Newell, was born in Oxbridge,
Mass., and engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods at Rochester for
some years. In 1847 he removed to Exeter, thence to Manchester, and at
an advanced age died in Concord, his remains being interred in a
cemetery at Manchester. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Union
army, and took part in the first battle of Bull Run. On his return home
he became Captain of a company of the Fourth New Hampshire Infantry,
and went South with them, but the second season he was obliged to
resign on account of physical disability. He was a Grand Army member,
and a Republican in politics. Socially he was a Mason, and in religious
belief belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died at the age
of eighty-five years.
Sophia Tebbetts, as the mother of our subject was known in maidenhood,
was born in New Hampshire, and through her mother traced her ancestry
to the Hoyts, who were numbered among the original English settlers on
American soil. Her great-great-grandfather Hoyt was a manufacturer by
occupation and participated in the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Sophia
Newell died at the age of seventy-seven years. She reared eight
children, and was justly proud of the fact that four of her sons were
brave defenders of the Old Flag. LaFayette was a soldier in a
Massachusetts infantry company, usually known as the "Bloody Sixth;"
George belonged to the Tenth New Hampshire Infantry; Daniel was
Drum-Major of the Second New Hampshire Infantry; and Samuel, who was a
dragoon in the Second Cavalry, took part in thirty-eight battles. All
the sons served until the expiration of their period of enlistment, and
all are still living.
The subject of this notice was reared in Manchester until seventeen
years of age, meantime attending the public and high schools. In 1857
he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and from there to Iowa City, where he was
employed in surveying. For six months he was similarly engaged in
Nebraska, and then went to Pike's Peak, where he prospected for sixteen
months. Going further South, he volunteered in New Mexico against the
Navajoe Indians, whom he assisted in routing. From Santa Fe he returned
to Colorado, where he resumed work in the mines. In the fall of 1862 he
returned to his old home, driving back with a mule team over the
prairies to Omaha, and journeying by stage from there to St. Joseph,
Mo., where he took the steam cars for New Hampshire.
For three years after his return home, Mr. Newell was serving an
apprenticeship to the machinist's trade in Manchester. In 1866 he went
to Chicago, and for ten years was employed in the shops of the Rock
Island Road. At the request of the Master Mechanic of the Missouri,
Kansas & Texas Railway Company, in 1876 he accepted a position in the
Sedalia shops, and, coming to this city, has since made it his home. A
the time of the consolidation, in 1881, he became an employe of the
Missouri Pacific Road, and was first toolman in the shops and later
foreman for a time.
The residence now occupied by Mr. Newell was erected by himself, and
is situated at No. 1008 Massachusetts Street. He was married at
Booneville, August 15, 1881, to Miss Christine Oman, a native of
Sweden, and a daughter of Peter Oman, a farmer of this county. She was
reared in Missouri, and is an amiable, refined lady, and an active
member of the Baptist Church. There are two daughters, Ida and Leah,
both of whom are students of the Sedalia Schools.
In 1886 Mr. Newell was elected Alderman for the Third Ward on the
Republican ticket, and during his two years' service in that capacity
was Chairman of the Waterworks Committee, and was also on the Fire
Department and the Finance Committees. He has been officially connected
with Sedalia Lodge No. 170, A. O. U. W. and is also a Master Mason. His
skill as a mechanic has been the means of securing for him the
confidence of the officials of the road, and he is recognized as one of
the most practical and capable mechanics in the state.
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"Martin V. B. Paige is at present holding the office of Justice of the
Peace of Green Ridge. In 1889 he was appointed Postmaster, under
Harrison's administration, and for four years was the popular and
efficient incumbent of that office. He was born in St. Lawrence County,
N. Y., October 29, 1842, and was the second in order of birth of the
family born unto Anson and Mary J. (Flanders) Paige.
The father of our subject was born in Vermont, but left his native
state when a young man and removed to New York. His good wife, the
mother of Martin, was born in New Hampshire, where she was reared to
womanhood and where she became fairly well educated.
Squire Page had just passed his eighteenth year when the tocsin of war
resounded through the land. Being fired with the spirit of patriotism,
he donned the blue and enlisted in Company C, Ninety-second New York
Infantry, being mustered in at Potsdam, N. Y., in September, 1861. He
was in active service for four and a-half years, during that time
participating in all of the many engagements in which his regiment took
part. After a service of three years he re-enlisted and was transferred
to Company D, Ninety-sixth New York Infantry. The same day he was
transferred he was taken prisoner by the enemy and for two weeks was
confined in Libby Prison. He was then sent to Salisbury, N. C., and for
four months was there retained as a prisoner of war. The reader
doubtless knows something of the treatment and cruelty to which the
Union soldiers were subjected, and the exposures and hardships which
Mr. Paige endured greatly undermined his health, and he has not been
robust and strong since that time. He was just on the eve of being
commissioned Lieutenant of a new company when taken prisoner, but upon
rejoining his regiment he was promoted to be Sergeant and on being
mustered out was made Commissary-Sergeant. Although the war was at an
end some months previously, he was not mustered out until February,
1866, his regiment having been retained to do guard duty.
On returning to New York State, Mr. Paige passed some time in visiting
among his relatives and friends. March 4, 1866, he bade them adieu,
and, emigrating westward, located at once in Green Ridge. He carried on
a farm near this place for a number of years, but owing to ill-health
was obliged to abandon this kind of labor, and moved into the village
of Green Ridge in 1883. He owns a comfortable home here and with his
estimable companion is prepared to spend his declining years in the
ease and enjoyment which he so much deserves.
Squire Page was married, in 1865, to Miss Marilla, daughter of Rufus
and Diantha F. (Irwin) Austin. Both the Irwin and Austin families were
quite prominent in the East. Mrs. Paige died two years after her
marriage, and in 1869 our subject chose for his second companion Miss
Mariette P. Austin, a sister of his first wife. Eight children were
born of this union, of whom the eldest, Sophronia, is deceased. David
E. is a resident of Lamonte, this state. The others are Charles A., Ora
E., Dora Lucia, George H. and Roy, all of whom are at home with their
parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Paige are members in good standing of the
Congregational Church.
Squire Page, although having been in public life for many years,
maintains an unblemished reputation as a man of integrity and honor. He
is an uncompromising Republican in politics, and for many years served
the people as Constable and Justice of the Peace, being the incumbent
of the latter office at the present time. While Postmaster he was
popular in his official capacity, discharging the duties of the
position with characteristic fidelity and to the satisfaction of all
concerned. Socially he is a member of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, and as a Grand Army man belongs to E. D. Baker Post No. 68."
-----------------------
"Judge W. H. Nichols, of Sedalia, who is now serving as Judge of the
Probate Court of Pettis County, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, at the
old Rock Creek Mill in Tiffin, on the 13th of August, 1836, and is a
son of Daniel K. Nichols, a native of Berkeley County, W. Va. The
father emigrated to Ohio in 1831, moving with horse and wagon, and
began milling in the old Rock Creek Mill, near which he lived in stone
house, one of the first built in that locality. Later, however, in
1842, he went to Lower Sandusky, and engaged in milling; but ten years
later located near Ft. Seneca, Seneca County, Ohio, where with a
partner, he operated a mill until his death, which occurred in 1858, at
the age of fifty-five years. Formerly he was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, but later in life became a Universalist. His wife,
who in her maidenhood was Susan Rhineberger, was born in Berkeley
County, W. Va., and was a daughter of Henry Rhineberger, who was of
German descent, and died in Ohio at the age of seventy-five. Mrs.
Nichols passed away in 1866, at the age of fifty-six, a consistent
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By her marriage she became
the mother of nine children, but only three are yet living.
Judge Nichols, the youngest member of the family, was reared to
manhood in Seneca and Sandusky Counties, where his primary education
was received, though he later attended Heidelberg College for two
years. On completing his literary course he began teaching, which
profession he followed for two terms. He then worked with his father in
the mill for two years, when, in 1857, he started for California, going
by way New York and the Panama route to Orleans Flat, on the Yuba
River. Later he went to near Truckee Lake, where he was employed during
the summer, but the following spring we find him at the Frazier River.
After to returning to Jackson, Cal., he prospected there for several
months, and later was employed by a lumber firm as a bookkeeper and
collector for three years. He then clerked in a general store in
Jackson until the fire of 1863, when he went to the copper mines, where
he engaged in prospecting, meeting with excellent success. On the 1st
of January, 1864, he returned to Ohio by the same route as he had left
it.
In July of the same year, Mr. Nichols enlisted in Company C, One
Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and the company was
organized at Camp Chase. He was mustered in for one year's service, and
with the regiment proceeded to Deckerdtown, Tenn., guarding Sherman's
rear. From there they went to Columbia, from which place they returned,
later embarking by rail and steamer of Camp Stoneman. On the voyage the
measles broke out and many of the regiment died. At Newbern, N. C.,
they were engaged in guarding the railroad, the regiment being a part
of the Twenty-third Corps, commanded by General Schofield, but later by
General Ruger. They participated in the engagement at Kingston, where
they lost heavily, and then joined Sherman, assisting in the capture of
General Johnston. They were then sent to Charlotte, N. C., where they
remained until mustered out of service. Mr. Nichols was first
Orderly-Sergeant, but later was promoted to the rank of Second
Lieutenant of Company B, One Hundred and Eightieth Volunteer Infantry.
He saw much hard service, but was never in the hospital for a single
day, and valiantly aided his country in the defense of the Union.
On his return to Ohio, in July, 1865, he bought an interest in a mill,
which he operated until the spring of 1868, when he sold out and by
team and wagon came to Missouri. He had no destination in view, but as
Sedalia pleased him, he decided here to locate, when it was a thriving
little town with but one bank and a few stores. Purchasing a farm in
Washington Township, he continued its improvement and cultivation until
the spring of 1888, when he located in the city, but still owns that
place, which is a valuable tract of one hundred and seven acres.
At Ft. Seneca, Ohio, in 1866, Mr. Nichols wedded Miss Janet E. Abbott,
a native of that place and a daughter of Lorenzo Abbott, the later of
whom was born in Massachusetts, but came from New York to Ohio in 1820.
By this union have been born three children: Edith and Janet, who are
at home; and Raymond Henry, who attends the public schools.
At one time Mr. Nichols served as Deputy-Assessor of Sedalia, and in
1890 was made register clerk in the postoffice, being appointed by
Captain Demuth. He continued under that gentleman for four years,
during which time he was always on duty, never missing a single day. In
the fall of 1894, he was elected Probate Judge of Pettis County, which
office he is now filling with credit and ability. In the cause of
education, he takes considerable interest, and served as School
Director for some time. In politics he is a stanch Republican, having
supported that party since its organization. He holds membership with
Equity Lodge No. 26, A. O. U. W.; and George R. Smith Post No. 53, G.
A. R., in which for three years he was Adjutant. In business Mr.
Nichols is honest and straightforward, and success has usually attended
his efforts, making him now one of the substantial citizens of Pettis
County. We thus note, in the history of this gentleman, a career of
more than ordinary interest."
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"William F. Hansberger, the popular Alderman from the Fourth Ward, who
was elected on the Democratic ticket in the spring of 1892, is Chairman
of the Committees on Taxes, and Lighting, and belongs to nearly every
other committee on the Board. In 1878 he commenced traveling for the
National Mail Company, and in 1881 began taking contracts for mail
routes, having at the present time over five hundred of such contracts.
The importance of his work may be estimated when it is known that he is
obliged to give bonds double the amount of mail pay, over $200,000, all
in real estate. Associated with him are W. H. and J. R. Owens.
Grandfather Henry Hansberger, who was an extensive planter of
Rockingham County, Va., died in his seventy-third year, on the old
homestead, which was a grant of land given to his ancestors by Lord
Fairfax. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, belonging to a State
Militia company. Our subject's father, Layton J. Hansberger, was born
on the same old farm in Rockingham County, and was a minister of the
Southern Methodist Episcopal Church, and a member of the Virginia
Conference. He preached in all portions of the state, until shortly
before his death, which occurred near Lynchburg, in 1877, when he was
about seventy years of age. His marriage was celebrated about 1840,
with martha T. French, a native of Prince William County, Va. Her
father, William French, was a Captain in the War of 1812, and owned the
fine plantation known as "Green Level," near Brentsville. Mrs.
Hansberger died at the home of our subject in Sedalia in 1890, being
past her seventieth year. Her six children are all still living.
On the paternal side our subject is of German descent, while on the
maternal side he is of English origin. He was born near Brentsville,
Va., forty miles from Washington, D. C., May 25, 1843, and with his
father resided in various places, owing to the fact that the latter was
a Methodist minister. He was educated in the Episcopal Academy, at
Fredericksburg, Va., and was preparing to enter Randolph-Macon College
when the war broke out. March 10, 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate
service under Major Belden, in Stuart's brigade, being assigned to the
cavalry. Later he was in Chambers' brigade, William Henry Lee's
division, Stuart's corps. He participated in the seven-days fight near
Richmond, wen with Stuart's troops on their raid, was active in the
battles of Gettysburg, Yellow Tavern, Appomattox and Fredricksburg, and
until the surrender of Richmond helped to defend that city. Though he
had many narrow escapes he was never wounded, nor was he ever in the
hospital. He lost about sixteen horses, nearly every one of them being
shot, and his last horse was one which had cost him $25,000 in
Confederate money. After surrendering at Appomattox, he started with
Gen. Fitzhugh Lee to Mexico; he turned back, however, was paroled in
June, and took the oath of allegiance in 1865.
From that time until 1867 Mr. Hansberger taught school in Halifax
County, Va. The following year he went to Cumberland County, that
state, and in August, 1869, came to Pettis County. For a few years he
taught in different districts in this region, and in 1875 was elected
County School Commissioner for a two-year term, during which time he
also conducted schools. In 1878 his connection with the mail service
began, and in the discharge of his duties he traveled from Maine to
California, and from Florida to British Columbia. His contracts
comprised every state and territory, and at the present time his
longest route is one of two hundred and seventy miles. For several
years he was in the real-estate business here, and laid out Hansberger
Addition, which lies between Broadway and Ninth Street, and Harrison
and Grand Avenues. At the corner of Broadway and Harrison Avenue, he
built his own comfortable and commodious residence. At various times he
has been interested in different building and loan associations, and
was the first President of the Equitable Association.
In Meadville, Va., Mr. Hansberger and Mary E. Henderson were united in
marriage, in 1866. The lady died in this county in 1877, leaving three
children: James W., now of Des Moines, Iowa; and Martha F. and Mollie
E., who are at home. January 6, 1880, Mary Owens became the wife of our
subject. She was born in Delaware, and reared in Cass County, Mo., but
came to this city to live in December, 1878. The only child of the
second marriage is Vivian, who was born January 28, 1889. Fraternally
Mr. Hansberger is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks."
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